HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – A recent study has revealed Kentucky and Indiana are among states that are least likely to be at risk for Black Friday scams.
According to data collection experts SOAX , Kentucky ranked as the third least likely state with an average of 119.86 fraud reports in every fourth quarter since 2021 That translates to a score of 19.95 out of 100.
Indiana was ranked seventh least likely with an average of 121.17 reports every 100,000 residents, translating to a score of 25.04 out of 100.
Illinois was ranked 32nd out of 50 with 128.13 reports every 100,000 residents.
Data revealed the average sum that was lost per report was $461.43 for Illinois, $397.44 for Indiana and $391.75 for Kentucky.
SOAX officials also provided some tips for shoppers to stay safe. Some tips included:
- Stick to trusted retailers
- Verify website security
- Use secure payment methods
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Monitor bank statements
- Beware of phishing emails and texts
- Keep your devices updated
- Consider using a cybersecurity residential proxy